Published 12:00 am, Friday, June 22, 2012

One northern Oakland County woman is literally making big waves in competitive powerboat racing and is looking to focus the attention of her next race on a worthy cause.

Jessica Beegle, a Clarkston native, will compete this weekend in the 25th annual Dow Bay City River Roar, a weekend-long powerboat racing event that will feature many of the sport's most prominent names.

Beegle will be racing a 2011 Revolution SST 45 Formula 3 tunnel boat, which is outfitted with a pink color scheme, at the annual Bay City race. The inspiration for the pink theme came from a local teacher friend, who is currently battling breast cancer. Beegle is racing her pink powerboat this weekend to help benefit the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The 21-year-old Clarkston native commented on how she hopes her racing effort this weekend will help raise awareness.

"I think it's awesome that I am racing this boat for a cause like breast cancer," said Beegle. "Not many people can say that and I hope it does good things."

Beegle, who is a team member of K-9 Racing and has been involved with the sport since age 9, shared her thoughts on this weekend's race.

"I am very nervous and excited all wrapped up together," said Beegle. "I am excited for the race this weekend and think it will be a great time."

Beegle spoke about her love for the sport and how it runs in her family.

"I love boat racing," Beegle said. "I grew up around it and racing has always been a part of my life. I always want to be involved."

Beegle caught the racing bug from her father, Mike Beegle, who has been in the racing circuit since he was a teenager. Beegle, who will be racing alongside his daughter at Bay City this weekend, commented on his daughter's foray into the powerboat scene.

"I'm excited to see what she can do in this boat," stated Mike. "She is ready."

In addition to this weekend's race, Beegle will be racing her pink watercraft July 20-22 at the Roar on the River in Trenton and Sept. 1-2 at the APBA National Championship.

For more information on Jessica Beegle and K-9 Racing, visit their Facebook page or follow their team on Twitter @Tunnelboat. For more information on the Bay City River Roar, visit their website at www.riverroar.com.